Malaysia urged to continuously update laws to tackle cyber threats

15 Aug 2023 01:44pm

Fahmi also revealed that the National Cyber Security Agency (NACSA), under the National Security Council (MKN), is currently working on a Cyber Security Bill. - Photo by Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR - Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil has stressed the need for Malaysia to continually evaluate its laws and regulations to combat the growing challenges of cyber threats and risks effectively.

Speaking at the Opening Ceremony Official Programme for Cyber Digital Services, Defence & Security Asia 2023 (Cyber DSA) held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Fahmi highlighted the evolving landscape of cyber threats and their potential impacts on individuals, businesses, and nations.

Fahmi highlighted the theme of Cyber DSA, 'Advancing Digitalisation and Security Through Collaboration,' stressing the significance of collective action in response to rapidly evolving cyber threats.

“With an increase in cyber-attack surfaces and increasingly advanced attacks, the cybersecurity landscape has changed significantly. Malicious cyber enemies have severe repercussions for individuals, businesses, and even nations,” said Fahmi.

He also pointed out the importance of collaboration in cybersecurity and the need to build a resilient digital ecosystem.

Cyber DSA is the result of collaboration between CyberSecurity Malaysia, the Malaysian Armed Forces' Defence Cyber Electromagnetic Division, and event organiser Aerosea Exhibitions.

In a related matter, Fahmi pointed out that Malaysia actively seeks cooperation with other countries through bilateral relationships and networks, including participation in the Asean Cyber Security Cooperation Strategy and support for the Asean Cyber Defence Network.

On regulatory frameworks, Fahmi stressed the necessity of strengthening them to address emerging technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and advanced Cloud Computing.

"These technologies offer immense opportunities but also present significant threats," said Fahmi.

Fahmi also revealed that the National Cyber Security Agency (NACSA), under the National Security Council (MKN), is currently working on a Cyber Security Bill.

This bill, developed in collaboration with multiple government agencies and industries, aims to enhance Malaysia's resilience and response to cyber attacks.

It is expected to be introduced in Parliament by the end of this year or early next year.

Meanwhile, a recent study by the Department of Skills Development (JPK), the Centre for Instructor and Advanced Skill Training (CIAST), and CyberSecurity Malaysia revealed that Malaysia would require approximately 27,000 cybersecurity knowledge workers by the end of 2025.

Currently, the nation has only 15,248 cybersecurity knowledge employees.

On this, Fahmi has assured the government's support for cybersecurity education and capacity-building programmes, including initiatives like CyberSecurity Malaysia's Global Accreditation Cybersecurity Education Certification Scheme (Global ACE), CyberGuru, and the Cyber Range Consortium.